Comté Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Comté Cheese is a smooth; semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Comté Cheese?
Comté is a hard cheese from eastern France, made daily from raw cow's milk in village dairies called fruitières. It holds PDO status, has the largest production of any French PDO cheese, and tastes mild, nutty, salty and slightly sweet.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Comté Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Comté Cheese (Cow's Milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Comté Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 4 months to 3 years | — |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Comté Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Comté Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Comté Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Comté Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Comté Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Comté Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Comté Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Comté Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Comté Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Comté Cheese made of?
Comté Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to 3 years. It originates in France.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Comté Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.